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511NY Rideshare

511NY Rideshare is New York State's home for ridematching, commuter and traveler services that can help you find a smarter and greener way to get where you're going. We provide information and resources to help commuters, travelers and employers find easy, affordable, and appealing alternatives to driving alone. Whether you are looking for information on ridesharing, vanpooling, workplace commuter benefits, public transportation, bicycling, walking, or telework, 511NY Rideshare can help.

511NY Rideshare serves the entire state of New York, and we strive to provide localized information wherever possible. We are continually working with stakeholders and regional agencies to offer customized services to meet your travel needs.

511NY Rideshare is a vital feature of the free 511NY system that is building a smarter, multimodal transportation network coordinating road, train and bus information to get you connected to go. This smarter traffic system is a public benefit service sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation.

511NY

511 New York is the free, official one-stop, all-encompassing telephone and Web service offering information on transportation services and conditions throughout New York State. This information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

511 is the national three-digit phone number reserved for travel information. The phone service is an interactive voice system reachable by landline and cellular phones and driven by a user's voice or phone keys. A personalized TransAlert subscription service provides notifications of major incidents and can be customized to give alerts by county.

Service became available statewide in June 2009, with a mobile website, mobile applications for the BlackBerry and Android, and the MY511NY enhancements announced in 2010. Additional enhancements are expected throughout 2011.

New York State's 511 services aim to meet the specialized needs of commuters, long-distance and through travelers, tourists and commercial vehicle operators. With an easy way to find trip-planning resources, traffic conditions, weather updates and alternative transportation information, 511 NY helps you control your travel so you can travel smarter. Save time and money and reduce stress. The system helps all travelers, even those who don't use the service. When you and others use 511 NY to avoid a traffic jam, highway incident or other congestion, you reduce the traffic load at the problem location. Emergency responders can reach the scene more easily and drivers who are stuck in congestion caused by an accident can get out faster.

By making it simple for you to learn about and to start using alternative transportation options – such as carpools, vanpools, ride-sharing, buses, trains, ferries, bicycling and more; 511 NY can help to reduce overall traffic congestion, air pollution and energy use. 511 NY is groundbreaking in bringing together a multitude of transportation information available in New York State in one easy-to-use portal. With 511 NY, you no longer need many individual phone numbers and Web sites.

New York's transportation agencies, who provide the information that drives the 511 NY system, have made this service possible. 511NY was developed through the leadership of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

The New York State Department of Transportation provides the 511 NY Web site for informational purposes only. The Department makes neither warranties, guarantees nor representations of any kind as to the content, accuracy or completeness of the information contained in either its Web site or in the sites of any links it provides herein.

511NY Privacy Policy

Thank you for using the services of the New York State Department of Transportation's (NYSDOT) 511NY travel information service. 511NY, including those websites, telephone, or mobile-based applications and services that are part of the program, is designed to make it easier and more efficient for individuals and businesses to access timely information about traffic and travel conditions in New York State. NYSDOT recognizes that it is critical for individuals and businesses to be confident that their privacy is protected when they use 511NY.

NYSDOT does not collect personal information about you or your browsing or calling session with 511NY. Because this privacy policy applies only to 511NY, you should examine the privacy policy of any website, service, or application, including those of other state agencies, that you access using 511NY.

511 NY Disclaimer

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) provides the 511NY Web site for informational purposes only. The Department makes neither warranties, guarantees nor representations of any kind as to the content, accuracy or completeness of the information contained in either its Web site or in the sites of any links it provides herein.

Web site materials are compiled from a variety of sources; they are subject to change without notice from the Department. NYSDOT is not responsible for the accuracy of the advertising for any commercial services or products contained herein.

The Department does not endorse services and products; no such endorsement should be implied by the presence of advertising on its Web site.

The 511NY Web site has many links to other organizations, such as commercial entities, educational institutions and non-profit associations. While we offer these electronic linkages for your convenience in accessing travel and transportation-related information, please be aware that when you exit the 511NY Web site, the privacy policy in effect for the 511NY Web site may not be the same as that on other Web sites. In addition, NYSDOT cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by linked sites. Linking to a Web site does not constitute an endorsement by NYSDOT or any of its employees of the sponsors of the site or the products presented on the site.

Accessibility

While the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) makes a concerted effort to ensure any electronic documents are accessible to all persons in accordance with 511 NY policy, it is possible, for a variety of reasons, that certain persons may in fact still encounter accessibility problems when utilizing our site.

If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of any part of this Web site please let us know by completing our Contact Us form or calling 511 and saying "Rideshare."

Terms and Conditions

511NY is operated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Do not use this website unless you have read these terms, and accept that they will govern your right to use and access our website and all the documents, links and information contained on it.

Availability

Redistribution or republication of any part of 511NY or its content is prohibited, including by such methods as framing, other similar methods or by any other means, without the prior express written consent of NYSDOT.

Log Files

We use IP addresses to analyze trends, administer 511NY, track user's movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. Additionally, for systems administration, detecting usage patterns and troubleshooting purposes, our web servers automatically log standard access information including browser type, access times/open mail, URL requested, and referral URL. This information is maintained as confidential data and shall not be shared with third parties and is used only within the 511NY program for analytical purposes. Any individually identifiable information related to this data will never be used in any way different to that stated above without your explicit permission.

Communication

Agreement to Privacy Policy

By accessing this website, you agree to accept and abide by 511NY's Privacy Policy, a copy of which is accessible from the footer of every page of the website.

Liability and Indemnity

By accessing 511NY, you acknowledge that any use of or reliance on this website or any content shall be at your sole risk. 511NY makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the website and/or the content found in the website, including, with respect to the information provided by third party links, all of which are provided on an "AS IS" basis. This website contains materials, data and information which is provided, posted or offered by third parties, including third party provided content, and user oriented content. You agree that your use of 511NY shall not result in any claim being filed against 511NY, NYSDOT, its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates, with respect to any liability whatsoever that may be alleged to arise from any third party material, data or information provided for your use. Although NYSDOT attempts to provide a high level of service, it does not warrant that the 511NY service will be uninterrupted, timely or error free. By using this service you hereby agree to indemnify NYSDOT, its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates against any loss, damage or harm that you or anyone that you have either used the information for or provided the information to, has suffered in whatever manner or form, and regardless of howsoever the alleged loss, damage or harm is alleged to have been caused.

Proprietary Rights

Copyright Notice – Copyright and other relevant intellectual property rights exist on all content relating to 511NY's services and the full content of this website. 511NY, including all content, is protected by American and worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. You agree to comply with all copyright laws worldwide in your use of this website and to prevent any unauthorized use of the content.

Trademarks™ – The 511NY logo is a registered trademark. The transit agency names and logos used on this website are all trademarks of their respective owners. Such service names and logos may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part for any purpose, whether artistic, personal or commercial in nature. You are prohibited from using any trademarked material found within this site for any improper or illegal purpose and discovery of such an improper or illegal use may result in your IP address being permanently blocked and all access denied.

Reservation of Rights – 511NY's services, methods and processes may be covered by one or more patents or other intellectual property rights, and are subject to trade secret and other proprietary rights. 511NY and NYSDOT reserve all such rights.

Software – Any software, as well as any files or images generated by such software, code and data used or accessible through this website is the copyrighted work of 511NY. You may not attempt to decipher, decompile, disassemble or reverse engineer any of the software comprising or in any way making up any part of this website.

Uses

511NY may be used only for a lawful and appropriate purpose by individuals seeking consumer traveler information. Subject to these Terms and Conditions, NYSDOT grants you access to view the content thereon, provided, however, that you may not, directly or indirectly:

Remove, from any copy of the content, the copyright or other proprietary notices contained in the content;

Sell, reproduce, modify or attempt to modify the content in any way or reproduce or publicly display, perform, or distribute or otherwise use the content for any personal, public or commercial purpose, including without limitation use of the content on any other website;

Print or copy any of the HTML or other computer programs that are accessible on this website;

Use this website in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden or impair it;

Interfere with the security of, or otherwise abuse, this website or any services, system resources, accounts, servers or networks connected to or accessible through this website or affiliated or linked websites;

Disrupt or interfere with any other person's use of this website or affiliated or linked websites;

Transmit on this website any materials that would negatively affect the functioning of it, including without limitation to, computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms or other harmful, disruptive or destructive files or computer programs, other similar kinds of activities or any acts that impose an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on this website's infrastructure;

Use any robot, spider or other similar kind of automatic program or device, or manual process to monitor, copy, summarize, or otherwise extract information from this website; or

Transmit on, to or from this website spam, chain letters, junk mail or any other type of unsolicited mass e-mail.

511NY is only responsible for its own content and does not monitor or review the content of other third party websites which are linked to and from 511NY. Opinions expressed or material appearing on such websites is not necessarily shared or endorsed by NYSDOT or 511NY, its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates and 511NY should not be regarded as the publisher of such opinions or material. Please be aware that 511NY is not responsible for the privacy practices, or content, of any third websites. Users are encouraged to be aware when they leave 511NY through a third party link, to read the privacy statements of all third party websites. Each user should evaluate the security and trustworthiness of any third party website connected to 511NY or accessed through this website, before disclosing any personal information to such a site. NYSDOT does not accept responsibility for, and shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage, regardless how it may have arisen and regardless of the kind or manner of the damages alleged to have occurred, howsoever caused, and alleged to have resulted from your disclosure to third parties of personal information.

Linking to 511NY Rideshare

511NY Rideshare welcomes legitimate and secure links to its home page. If you want to link to this website, you may do so, provided you agree to the link conditions described below. By establishing a link to this website, you will be deemed to have agreed that your site was established for a legitimate purpose, is secure and does not constitute a threat to any 511NY user and that you will abide by the following Link Conditions:

You acknowledge that all of the content appearing on the 511NY Website pages and the "look and feel" of the Web Pages belong to 511NY and that you will not at any time directly or indirectly contest or infringe upon these rights by either attempting to imitate, copy or substitute the look and feel of 511NY with any third party website as an overlay or substitution for any 511NY page.

If you link to this website, your website:

May not create frames around any part of this website or use other techniques that alter the visual presentation of this website;

May not imply that 511NY is endorsing you, your company's products or services nor shall you imply or state that 511NY is endorsing any kind of political viewpoint, position, party, affiliation, group or organization and that your link will in no way include any references to or offer sales of any kind or type in violation of NYSDOT's rules and regulations or those of any affiliated public agency's laws, rules and regulations.

May not imply an affiliation between your company and 511NY without the prior written consent of NYSDOT;

May not misrepresent your relationship with 511NY or present false or misleading impressions about 511NY services; and

May not contain materials that may be interpreted as distasteful or offensive and should be appropriate for all age groups;

511NY shall have no responsibility or liability for any content appearing on your website, which is a separate website and not part of the 511NY system;

511NY may at any time, in its sole discretion, immediately terminate your right to link to this website, with or without cause. If 511NY exercises this right, and gives you notice of such an action, you will immediately remove all links to this website; and

511NY may amend these Link Conditions at any time. You agree to abide by these Link Conditions and other legal terms and conditions on this website, as amended from time to time.

Changes to 511NY

NYSDOT may terminate, change, suspend or discontinue any aspect of 511NY, including removing, adding, modifying or otherwise changing any features and/or content at any time without notice or liability. NYSDOT reserves the right, but shall not be obligated, to correct any errors or omissions in any portion of 511NY at any time without notice to any 511NY user or third party linked to the website.

Changes to Terms and Conditions

511NY reserves the right to change these Terms and Conditions from time to time as it sees fit.

Maps and Tools

Park & Ride Map

Park & Ride lots are available across the state to help New Yorkers share rides. Convenient locations allow commuters to park their cars near home and catch a carpool, vanpool, bus or train to work. These also are well-situated meeting spots for shopping, going to the game, and other recreational trips. Park & Ride locations are usually free and available on a "first come" basis, although occasionally permits or fees may be required (see area Park & Ride lot map for lot details). Many locations also have overnight parking in designated spaces, lighting, telephones, bicycle parking and connections to bus transit and commuter rail services.

Many Park & Ride lots are along major highways with HOV lanes, are served by express and commuter bus services, and are near commuter rail lines, such as Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road.

Use our interactive map below to find the closest Park & Ride lot to you! Simply drag the map to the area of interest; use the zoom buttons in the upper left hand corner to zoom in and out of the map. You can get more information about a specific lot when you click on the "P" icon. For instance, you can find out how many parking spaces the lot accommodates, whether a fee is required, and whether public transit is serviced at that lot.

Transit Trip Planner

Employers

As a New York State employer, you play an important role in helping to encourage smart transportation choices that improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion. By leveraging 511NY Rideshare's resources, you can provide a resource for local information on commute alternatives for your employees, that can help them save money and time, and that can make your worksite more sustainable!

Employer Benefits

Employer-sponsored commuter benefit programs assist employers and employees. When you help your employees get to work with less stress and expense, you increase productivity, foster loyalty and save money.

Cost savings and grant opportunities

Attractive and cost-effective employee benefits

Reduced employee turnover and absenteeism

Increased employee productivity

Expanded recruiting market

Reduced traffic congestion and parking problems

Demonstration of corporate social and environmental leadership

Benefits for Your Employees

Reduced stress

Savings on commuting and traveling costs

Consistent travel times and routes

Decreased wear and tear on vehicle

Part-time travel options

Improved air quality

Better work-life balance

Commuter Tax Benefits

Save on payroll-related taxes

Employees save on federal income taxes

Employer-provided or sponsored vanpools qualify under the tax-exempt program

To get started, call 511 and say "Rideshare."

Federal tax law (Section 132 [f] of the Internal Revenue Code), allows employers to offer transit passes or vanpool subsidies to employees and allows employees to set aside pretax income to pay for transit or vanpool fares. Employees may set aside up to $130 a month from their salaries before taxes to pay for transit and vanpool fares, and up to $250 per month for qualified parking expenses at or near an employer's workplace from which the employee commutes via transit or vanpool. The transit and parking benefit may be combined for a total benefit amount up to $380 per month. Transit services, publicly or privately owned or operated, and employer-provided or sponsored vanpools qualify under the tax-exempt program.

Employer Savings

Providing pretax commuter benefits to employees can save payroll taxes for employers. The value of the benefit paid to employees is considered a tax-free transportation fringe benefit; therefore, payroll taxes do not apply. Employers can save roughly 9% in payroll taxes on the amount employees set aside. If the employer chooses to offer the benefit in addition to salary, giving an employee $130 in transit benefits turns out to be less expensive for an employer than raising the employee's salary by $130.

How It Works

The commuter tax benefit is available only through an employer-sponsored commuter benefit program. Starting a program is easy: 511NY Rideshare can help find the right one. Whether you choose to offer a tax-free transit benefit, a pretax payroll deduction program or a combination of the two, it's a win-win for your employees and your bottom line.

Once your program is launched, 511NY Rideshare can help you to encourage enrollment and participation through our complementary programs, such as the Guaranteed Ride Program and transit trip planning, creating an incentive for employees to enroll.

Whether you subsidize your employees' commuting costs or simply make benefits programs available so employees can pay for commuting costs with pretax dollars, you'll receive substantial value and savings by providing pretax commuter benefits. If you are a New York City or Long Island-based company, you may also qualify for a grant. Click here for more information.

To get started, call 511 and say "Rideshare."

Employer Services

511NY Rideshare can help you develop a customized commuter benefit program customized to your work site or simply provide information about commute and travel options to your employees. The choice is yours. We're here to provide services and programs for employers to create and sustain successful commuter benefit programs.

Customized Commute Mobility Plan

511NY Rideshare staff identifies available mobility options, such as carpooling, vanpooling, transit, walking, bicycling and teleworking, and identifies appropriate program strategies and services for employers to offer employees.

On-Site Technical Assistance

511NY Rideshare provides a wide range of free services to help you design, launch, support and operate your commuter benefits program. Your 511NY Rideshare representative will help you identify appropriate mobility options and services and provide ongoing program evaluation and consultation. Plus, we can assist with administration tasks to reduce the burden on your company.

Ridematching Services

511NY Rideshare will gather information from employees about their commutes and then match employees to carpool and vanpool groups, walk/bicycle buddies or provide transit assistance.

Transportation Days

511NY Rideshare staff come to your offices and meet with your employees to talk about their transportation needs. These "Transportation Days" provide personal assistance to people trying to improve their mobility. We talk about choices and help develop a plan that suits them.

Direct Commuter Services

511NY Rideshare provides services directly to your employees, including personalized commute information, ridematching, construction and traffic updates and vanpooling tips and information. Toll-free customer support is also available by calling 511 and saying "Rideshare." Out-of-state travelers can call 888-GO511NY (888-465-1169), select a region (Hudson Valley/Catskills, Long Island, New York City Metro) and then say "Rideshare."

Guaranteed Ride Program

How to get home or to another destination when an emergency arises is a primary concern for employees who are considering ridesharing. That's where 511NY Rideshare's Guaranteed Ride Program can help. Your ridesharing employees will have a guaranteed ride if they have an illness or other emergency. (Limitations apply.) We will set up and administer a Guaranteed Ride Program for your company at no cost to you, along with recommendations for determining eligibility, setting up internal administrative procedures and ongoing evaluation.

Emergency Preparedness Planning

511NY Rideshare can help your company develop a transportation contingency plan to ensure employee safety and business continuity, even if a natural disaster, power outage or other catastrophic event occurs.

Marketing Support

511NY Rideshare provides materials to help you educate your employees about your commuter benefits program. In addition, we'll provide customized information that you can post on your company's intranet site or include in internal emails or newsletters.

511NY Rideshare can help you develop a comprehensive commuter benefits program customized to your work site or simply provide information about commute options to your employees. The choice is yours. We're here to provide services and programs for employers to create and sustain successful commuter benefits programs.

Air Quality Action Days

Air Quality Action Days are days when air quality is predicted to be in an unhealthy range for sensitive groups. It's a day that's all about making smart choices.

It’s a day when driving alone should be avoided, as it may be one of the most polluting activities that people do on an air quality action day. There are many alternatives to driving alone.

It's a day when you choose to go into a restaurant rather than wait at the drive-through to avoid car idling, or even to bring your lunch to work so you don't have to make an extra trip.

It's a day when you choose not to fill up your gas tank during the day, and instead, fill up in the evening or when the sun goes down.

Air Quality Action Days typically are forecast a day prior to the actual day. We'll let you know about an upcoming Air Quality Action Day through an Action Day Bulletin. The bulletin will arrive via e-mail, or text, and will provide you with information on how to improve air quality and to avoid air pollution effects on the Action Day.

Air Quality Action Day To-Do List

Here is a list of steps to take on Air Quality Action Days.

Stay Indoors. Air Quality Action Days are a great time to stay indoors to catch up on that season of Game of Thrones you missed, or play board games with your family or finish that book you started months ago. This is especially true for people with heart and lung problems, the elderly and children who are more sensitive to air pollution.

Limit Driving. Here's your excuse for not going to the grocery store or not taking other trips. Those who must travel can still help by limiting driving and engine idling or preferably by not driving their car at all. Share a ride, use transit or work from home.

Refuel After Dark. This prevents certain pollutants from being emitted into the air that react with sunlight and heat to create ground-level ozone.

Air Condition Less. Set your home air conditioner at a slightly higher temperature than normal (you can drink cold water to cool down to compensate if it is extra warm outside). This will conserve energy and cut pollution.

Slow, Don't Mow. The grass can wait. While it's preferable not to have a gas-powered lawn mower at all, if you do have one, don't use it on Air Quality Action Days.

Home Improvement Procrastination. Delay use of aerosol consumer products. Painting and spraying add harmful vapors to air indoors and outdoors.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Ozone? How Is It Formed?

Ground-level ozone is a pollutant that is formed in a photochemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), both of which are emitted by cars and trucks, in the presence of sunlight (ultraviolet radiation). In addition, VOCs are emitted from paint solvents and other sources.

Is There a Difference Between Ground-Level Ozone and the Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer is beneficial to people, while ground-level ozone is harmful. The layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere is good for the environment because it protects the Earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Ground-level ozone at elevated levels is bad for the environment because it is a noxious pollutant that can be harmful to human health.

What Are the Health Effects of Ground-Level Ozone?

Even at lower levels, ozone may cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, coughing and eye and throat irritation. At higher levels, long-term exposure to ozone may damage lung tissue. It may take several days for complete recovery after exposure has ended.

Who Is Most Affected by the Ozone Problem?

While everyone can be affected negatively by ground-level ozone, the groups with the greatest sensitivity to air-quality problems are children, the elderly and people with asthma and other respiratory diseases.

What Is Particulate Matter?

Particulate matter is a mixture of microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particulate matter is measured in microns and traditionally is classified into two size categories—PM2.5 and PM10. Some of the most severe health effects, depending on exposure levels, are associated with smaller particulate matter, known as fine particulate matter, or PM2.5.

Can You Explain the Different Terms Used to Describe Particulate Matter?

There are several terms that commonly are used in place of particulate matter. Particulate matter often is referred to as PM or particulate pollution. Additionally, as discussed above, particulate matter is classified into two size categories. Particulates of the smaller size category can be called fine particulates, fine particles, ambient fine particulate pollution or PM2.5. The larger particulate category most commonly is referred to as inhalable coarse particulates or PM10.

What Is the Air-Quality Index?

The AQI is a method devised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for rating each day's air quality. The AQI numbers are associated with a color, a level of health concern and measures that people should take to avoid exposure to unhealthy air. It correlates levels of different pollutants to one scale; the higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.

What Is an Air Quality Action Day?

An Air Quality Action Day is announced when air quality is predicted to be in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups in part or all of the New York metropolitan area. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for analyzing air pollution data and forecasts whether air quality will approach or exceed unhealthy levels. Based on these forecasts, the New York State Department of Transportation issues an Air Quality Action Day notification. While Air Quality Action Days are still days when people can go about most of their normal activities, such as going to work, driving may be one of the most polluting activities that people do on that day. Therefore, we encourage everyone to leave their cars at home if possible.

What Can I, as Just One Person, Do to Improve Air Quality?

It may seem like just one person's actions aren't enough to actually improve air quality. But individual actions can add up to big results, because if everyone makes a choice every day to do something to improve air quality, we'll see a change in the air we breathe. So what exactly are some of these everyday choices you can make? Here are a few: Combine multiple errands into one trip; take mass or public transportation, carpool or vanpool to work a few times a week; or refuel your car in the evening during the summer rather than during the daylight hours.

How Bad Is Air Pollution in the New York City Metro Area?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said that the New York metro area is not meeting federal ambient air quality standards for ozone pollution nor for fine particulate matter.

How Can I Find Out More Information About New York's Air Quality?

You can visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Air Resources Web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/644.html.

Vehicular Air Pollution: What Is It and Where Does It Come From?

Motor vehicles play a major role in air pollution. They are the single largest contributor of the precursors of ground-level ozone, which is a major urban pollutant. Motor vehicles also contribute significantly to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Both kinds of pollution stem from burning fossil fuels and vehicle use, and both contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Here's the Science

Motor vehicles generate three major pollutants: hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) to form ground-level ozone. Elevated ozone levels mainly occur during the months of May through September. Nitrogen oxides also help form acid rain. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas, can impair mental and visual functions and have other negative effects at high levels of exposure. Pollutants are released as a result of vehicle use when: • Fuel is burned in the internal combustion engine and the combustion products are emitted through the tailpipe. • Heat causes fuel to evaporate from under the hood and throughout the fuel system. Hot, sunny days and engines warmed by running provide heat to vaporize fuel into the air. • Refueling at service stations, where gasoline vapors escape into the air.

Air Pollution in the Big Apple

New York pizza, high fashion, Broadway shows—these are all things that New York does well. Unfortunately, however, another thing we're doing well is polluting the air. Metro New York has some of the most polluted air in the United States and much of it comes from our cars. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the New York metro area as not meeting federal guidelines for ground-level ozone and particulate matter pollution.

Ozone Pollution, Ozone Layer—What's the Difference?

Ozone pollution and the ozone layer are two different things. The naturally occurring "ozone layer" in the upper atmosphere is good—it protects life on Earth by filtering out ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ground-level ozone pollution is bad. Ozone pollution damages lung tissue, worsens respiratory disease and can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections. Adults with existing cardiovascular problems, the elderly and children are especially vulnerable to ozone pollution. Short-term exposure to elevated levels of ozone can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function. The respiratory symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Days with high outdoor ozone levels tend to have increased hospitalizations for respiratory conditions and increased daily mortality rates. More limited evidence suggests that short-term exposure to elevated ozone levels also might aggravate heart symptoms in people with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to elevated ozone levels may be associated with permanent changes in airway structure and reductions in lung function. An increased risk of developing asthma has been found among students who were likely to have experienced long-term elevated ozone exposure because they participated in athletic programs in areas with high average ozone levels.

Particulate Matter Pollution

Clean Air NY is concerned with a kind of particulate matter known as PM2.5 or fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter is a mix of tiny solids and droplets that are invisible to the human eye. This is because they are 2.5 microns or less in width-2.5 microns is about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair. Like ground-level ozone, PM can worsen pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Your efforts to reduce driving will especially help the ill, elderly and children who are most at risk. In particular, we want to help: • The estimated 1.4 million people with cardiovascular disease in the five boroughs • The 460,000 adults and 160,000 children with asthma in New York City

Want the Scoop on Today's Air?

The Air-Quality Index (AQI) is a method devised by the EPA for reporting each day's air quality. To be more specific, the AQI indicates how dirty the air is. The AQI numbers are associated with a color, a level of health concern and what measures people should take to reduce their exposure to pollutants. Several pollutants are measured by the AQI, including ground-level ozone and PM. Pollution levels are measured on a scale of 0 to 500. A 50 is considered good air quality with low risk of health effects. Anything more than 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, values above 150 are considered unhealthy for everyone and levels of more than 300 are very rare.

The Health Effects

Have you ever walked outside on a hot summer day and felt like the air was smothering you? Has it made your eyes water or perhaps prompted an irritating cough? One cause of these types of symptoms could be poor air quality. Unfortunately, these are just some of the mild effects of air pollution, which can cover the spectrum from eye irritation to more serious health problems, such as asthma.

Air Quality 411: Metro NY Area Remains in the Thick of Air Pollution

Vehicular Air Pollution: What Is It and Where Does It Come From?

Motor vehicles play a major role in air pollution. They are the single largest contributor of the precursors of ground-level ozone, which is a major urban pollutant. Motor vehicles also contribute significantly to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Both kinds of pollution stem from burning fossil fuels and vehicle use, and both contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Here's the Science

Motor vehicles generate three major pollutants: hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Hydrocarbons react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) to form ground-level ozone. Elevated ozone levels mainly occur during the months of May through September. Nitrogen oxides also help form acid rain. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas, can impair mental and visual functions and have other negative effects at high levels of exposure.

Pollutants are released as a result of vehicle use when:

Fuel is burned in the internal combustion engine and the combustion products are emitted through the tailpipe.

Heat causes fuel to evaporate from under the hood and throughout the fuel system. Hot, sunny days and engines warmed by running provide heat to vaporize fuel into the air.

Refueling at service stations, where gasoline vapors escape into the air.

Air Pollution in the Big Apple

New York pizza, high fashion, Broadway shows—these are all things that New York does well. Unfortunately, however, another thing we're doing well is polluting the air. Metro New York has some of the most polluted air in the United States and much of it comes from our cars. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the New York metro area as not meeting federal guidelines for ground-level ozone and particulate matter pollution.

Ozone Pollution, Ozone Layer—What's the Difference?

Ozone pollution and the ozone layer are two different things. The naturally occurring "ozone layer" in the upper atmosphere is good—it protects life on Earth by filtering out ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ground-level ozone pollution is bad. Ozone pollution damages lung tissue, worsens respiratory disease and can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections. Adults with existing cardiovascular problems, the elderly and children are especially vulnerable to ozone pollution.

Short-term exposure to elevated levels of ozone can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function. The respiratory symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Days with high outdoor ozone levels tend to have increased hospitalizations for respiratory conditions and increased daily mortality rates. More limited evidence suggests that short-term exposure to elevated ozone levels also might aggravate heart symptoms in people with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure.

Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to elevated ozone levels may be associated with permanent changes in airway structure and reductions in lung function. An increased risk of developing asthma has been found among students who were likely to have experienced long-term elevated ozone exposure because they participated in athletic programs in areas with high average ozone levels.

Particulate Matter Pollution

Clean Air NY is concerned with a kind of particulate matter known as PM2.5 or fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter is a mix of tiny solids and droplets that are invisible to the human eye. This is because they are 2.5 microns or less in width-2.5 microns is about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair. Like ground-level ozone, PM can worsen pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Your efforts to reduce driving will especially help the ill, elderly and children who are most at risk. In particular, we want to help:

The estimated 1.4 million people with cardiovascular disease in the five boroughs

The 460,000 adults and 160,000 children with asthma in New York City

Want the Scoop on Today's Air?

The Air-Quality Index (AQI) is a method devised by the EPA for reporting each day's air quality. To be more specific, the AQI indicates how dirty the air is. The AQI numbers are associated with a color, a level of health concern and what measures people should take to reduce their exposure to pollutants. Several pollutants are measured by the AQI, including ground-level ozone and PM. Pollution levels are measured on a scale of 0 to 500. A 50 is considered good air quality with low risk of health effects. Anything more than 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, values above 150 are considered unhealthy for everyone and levels of more than 300 are very rare.

The Health Effects

Have you ever walked outside on a hot summer day and felt like the air was smothering you? Has it made your eyes water or perhaps prompted an irritating cough?

One cause of these types of symptoms could be poor air quality. Unfortunately, these are just some of the mild effects of air pollution, which can cover the spectrum from eye irritation to more serious health problems, such as asthma.

Ozone, Particulate Matter, Asthma and Respiratory Ailments

Taking small steps to improve air quality can help prevent health problems for everybody, especially people with asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Asthma. When ozone or particulate matter levels are high, studies suggest that more asthma attacks occur that require a doctor's attention or additional medication. One reason for this is that ozone can make people more sensitive to allergens, the most common triggers of asthma attacks. Also, asthmatics are affected more severely than non-asthmatics by the reduced lung function and irritation that ozone and particulate matter cause in the respiratory system.

Other Respiratory Ailments. Ozone and particulate matter pollution can be harmful to people with chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema and bronchitis. Both pollutants can aggravate these conditions and reduce the immune system's ability to fight off bacterial infections in the respiratory system. Often the elderly are most likely to experience these conditions and, therefore, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

Lung Damage. Ozone may cause permanent lung damage. When children's developing lungs are repeatedly exposed to ozone, it may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood. In adults, ozone exposure may accelerate the decline in lung function that occurs as part of the natural aging process.

Particulate Matter: Small Pollutant, Big Impact

Usually it's the little things in life that make us the happiest. With air pollution, however, it's sometimes the littlest things that cause the most harm and unhappiness.

Fine particulate matter is one of the most serious air pollutants: the particles are so small that they can get right through the nasal passage, past the trachea and into the deepest parts of the lungs. The particles also can enter the bloodstream via the lungs.

Particle pollution damages the body in ways similar to cigarette smoking and can cause heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer. Hundreds of studies have found associations between elevated particulate matter levels and premature deaths, hospital admissions and emergency room visits and aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.

Help Reduce Air Pollution with 511NY!

One objective of 511NY is to educate New Yorkers about how they can improve our air quality. Nearly one-third of all air pollution in the New York metropolitan region is caused by vehicle travel, so taking alternative forms of transportation, such as mass transit, can make a big difference. 511NY's network of individuals and businesses believes that every person has the power to help make New York's air healthier and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

511NY educates the public on simple everyday changes that reduce driving and provides real-time updates on Air Quality Action Days via text messaging, e-mail and media notifications.

Each year, mass transit reduces carbon dioxide emissions by roughly the same amount as if electricity was turned off to half the houses in New York State! Other actions that can help clean the air are combining multiple errands into one trip and carpooling. More ideas can be found on the "Do Your Part" page!

Do Your Part

Everyday choices make a difference! Whether it’s choosing to carpool to work instead of driving alone, or simply avoiding idling your car, 511NY believes that all New Yorkers can contribute to helping clean our air. And you might even save money in the process!

Here are some simple steps to achieve cleaner air:

Combine Trips. This is one of the easiest choices and can save time while you are improving the air. Instead of going home after work and then back out to the gym or to the grocery store, plan ahead and combine your errands into one trip, even on the weekends.

Bike, Walk or Use Public Transit. Forgoing your car just one day a week for a year could save about 1,000 miles on the vehicle and $500 in total driving costs. Just think of what you could do with that extra money, not to mention the health benefits of walking or biking.

Maintain Your Car. Always keep your car in tune and the tires properly inflated. A well-maintained vehicle produces 20 percent less ozone-related emissions, saves money on gas, and means less traffic congestion due to breakdowns. Properly inflated tires can save you up to 18 gallons of gas per year.

Avoid Topping Off Your Tank. Topping off the tank can cause excess pressure in the system which could damage your vehicle’s evaporative system or cause a hazardous leak. When the gas pump stops, your tank is full.

Cut Back On Idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Save money and reduce emissions by avoiding idling whenever possible. For example, go into a fast-food restaurant to pick up food rather than waiting in the drive-through lane.

Don't Be So Cool. A lower air conditioning temperature uses more energy and costs more. At home, set your air conditioner to 78 degrees. Closing drapes, blinds or shades during the day can also help to keep the house cool.

Use Safe Products. Read product labels and be sure to purchase and use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible. This limits the amount of unhealthy vapor in the air.

Spread the Word. The more people who know about 511NY's clean air program, the more steps will be taken to improve air quality and the health of all New Yorkers.

Ridesharing

When you sign up with our program, you will have access to thousands of other members who currently carpool or vanpool or who are also looking for rideshare partners. Simply register here, and make sure to complete your profile so you can be matched to someone who lives or works near you! When you’re finished entering your details into your profile, click on “Find Ridematches for Commute” and you will be one step closer to ridesharing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 511NY Rideshare Program?

What is the 511NY Rideshare Program?

511NY Rideshare is New York's home for free ridematching programs and traveler services, providing a wealth of information for anyone who wants more enhanced commute and travel options. 511NY Rideshare offers a suite of programs and services such as ridematching for carpools and vanpools, a Guaranteed Ride Program (where applicable), and informational resources for transit services, bicycling, walking, teleworking and other options.

Does it cost anything to use 511NY Rideshare's services?

No, all of 511NY Rideshare's services are free.

How do employers use 511NY Rideshare's services?

511NY Rideshare provides resources to help employers set up commuter benefit programs to provide smarter, more efficient choices for greater employee mobility. Visit the Employer section for more information on the benefits and grant opportunities from setting up these programs.

What is the 511NY Rideshare System?

What is 511NY Rideshare System?

The ridematching system is a free online tool that commuters, travelers and employers can use to find other travelers to share a ride. The ridematching system matches travelers based on similar trips as defined by users' preferences. The ridematching system can find you a carpool, vanpool or a bike buddy along a specified route or in an area of your origin or destination. It also will map your route and show you where Park & Ride locations and other landmarks are along the way.

How does the system work to match me with a ride?

The system uses the travel preferences entered and will generate a profile for you in the database. It will then search the database for other travelers with similar start and destination locations and travel times to you in order to create your match list. You will only match with other riders who have similar preferences, such as driver/passenger roles, to the ones you entered.

When other travelers are searching for matches and your travel preferences matches theirs, you will be included in their ridematch list.

How do I run a ridematch?

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After logging into the system, go to Find Ridematches and run either a radius-based match or a route-based match. Select the preferences when prompted and click Find Matches.

What is the difference between radius-based matching and route-based matching?

Radius-based matching selects matches based on the distance around your starting and destination addresses.

What do I need to do if I get matches?

We recommend you contact the travelers listed and tell them you matched through 511NY Rideshare. If your matches shared their e-mail address or phone number, you may contact them yourself. If your matches did not share their contact information, you may contact your matches through the ridematching system's automated e-mail system.

If you are having difficulty setting up a carpool after contacting the people on your match list, contact us to be connected to one of our customer service representatives and we can help. People are adding their names to the system daily - your perfect match could be just a click away.

What is the Match List?

The Match List displays all the same matches shown on the map feature. It provides the contact information, if the match has opted to share it, but also shows the match's start and destination city, state, and zip code; work schedule; carpool and vanpool preferences; and any other additional preferences.

If a match has opted to share his e-mail address, you can click on the e-mail address to send that match an e-mail through your default e-mail server.

What if the system did not find any matches for me?

If we do not currently have a match for potential carpool, vanpool, bike buddy or transit assistance for you in our database, you still have options:

Travelers often find alternatives when they expand their database search to include a wider geographic area or different routes.

You could go to a Park & Ride lot near your commute route for your rideshare starting point.

We are constantly adding new travelers to our system users; you should return to the site periodically and try running your matches again, since there will be a constant flow of new registrations.

We would be happy to supply you with "Carpoolers Wanted" flyers that you can use to post at or near your origin or destination.

Can my employees join on their own, without going through their employer?

Yes, they can.

How do I register for the ridematching system?

How do I register for the ridematching system?

Go to the home page and click on the map to get to your regional system to register in the ridematching system.

What if I don't have a car?

If you don't have a car, you can register to be a passenger in a carpool or vanpool. Also, you can use the ridematching system to log your commutes or find bike buddies for your bike trips.

Do I have to provide my e-mail address and telephone number?

In order to register for online ridematching, you must enter your e-mail address. You do not need to enter your phone number. Our system provides the option to share or hide your e-mail address or phone number. However, sharing your e-mail and/or your phone number up-front with potential matches may expedite communication.

You can set your privacy settings for your e-mail address and your phone number during registration or under the Edit Profile page. If you are comfortable sharing your e-mail address and/or your phone number, this information will be displayed on the match list for others to contact you quickly to discuss ridematching opportunities.

What if I don't have an e-mail address?

You can still register in the system and we can help you run ridematches. Contact us and get connected to one of our customer service representatives and we will enter you into the system and run a ridematch for you. You will then receive your ridematch results in the mail, with instructions on how to contact your ridematches.

If I do not share my e-mail address or phone number, can another user still contact me if I match with them?

If you do not share your e-mail address or phone number, a user who wishes to contact you will do so through the ridematching system. They will use the system to send an e-mail to you, but they will not see your e-mail address until you reply.

Why does 511NY Rideshare's ridematching system require a full home address and destination address during registration?

We use high-precision algorithms to match your route and present you with the best match for your trip based on your start and destination addresses and your route.

Will my home address or destination address be shared with other users?

We only list the city, state, and zip code associated with your addresses and this partial address only appears as a pinpointed bubble on the map when a searching user finds your trip as a match. We will never share your home address or destination address with other users.

I registered online – but I did not receive an activation e-mail yet from 511NY Rideshare. What could be wrong?

Please check your spam or junk mail folders and ensure the e-mail did not get delivered there. Although 511NY Rideshare delivers almost instantaneously, sometimes there may be a delay. If you've waited for over 4 hours, please email Info@511NYRideshare.org to be connected to a customer service representative.

If I have been using the ridematching system without an e-mail address but have recently acquired an e-mail address, may I use it for my account?

Yes, please contact us to be connected to one of our customer service representatives and we will set up the account with your e-mail address.

What if I would like to unsubscribe from the ridematching system?

If you decide that you do not wish to participate in the 511NY Rideshare ridematching system, please log in to your account, choose Edit Profile and select the "Opt Out" button. You will be required to complete a short exit survey before you can unsubscribe.

If you use a ridematching system provided by a non-NYSDOT vendor, please contact that ridematching system's provider to unsubscribe.

I'm already registered but I forgot my password. How do I retrieve my password?

Click on "Forgot Password? Click Here!" You will be prompted to enter your registered e-mail address to receive a temporary password. You can log in with the temporary password and then change your password in the Edit Profile page.

How do I change my address in the system?

You can change any personal information, except your e-mail address, on the Edit Profile page at any time. If you would like to change your e-mail address, contact us to be connected to one of our customer service representatives.

My Employer/School information has changed since I registered. How do I change it in the system?

Go to the My Profile page – Commute Information and click Edit. You can change the information by typing the first few letters (3 characters minimum to start) in the Employer/School Name field to automatically retrieve a list of Employer/School names with that character string included. Select the appropriate Employer/School from the list. Please note that some Employer/School names will have multiple address; make sure you choose the one with the correct address for you.

If your Employer/School does not appear, enter the full Employer/School name and all the required address fields and save your profile changes.

How does the system work to match me with a ride?

How does the system work to match me with a ride?

The system uses the travel preferences entered and will generate a profile for you in the database. It will then search the database for other travelers with similar start and destination locations and travel times to you in order to create your match list. You will only match with other riders who have similar preferences, such as driver/passenger roles, to the ones you entered.

When other travelers are searching for matches and your travel preferences matches theirs, you will be included in their ridematch list.

How do I run a ridematch?

After logging into the system, go to Find Ridematches and run either a radius-based match or a route-based match. Select the preferences when prompted and click Find Matches.

What if I don't have a car?

If you don't have a car, you can register to be a passenger in a carpool or vanpool. Also, you can use the ridematching system to log your commutes or find bike buddies for your bike trips.

What is the Match List?

The Match List displays all the same matches shown on the map feature. It provides the contact information, if the match has opted to share it, but also shows the match's start and destination city, state, and zip code; work schedule; carpool and vanpool preferences; and any other additional preferences.

If a match has opted to share his e-mail address, you can click on the e-mail address to send that match an e-mail through your default e-mail server.

What do I need to do if I get matches?

We recommend you contact the travelers listed and tell them you matched through 511NY Rideshare. If your matches shared their e-mail address or phone number, you may contact them yourself. If your matches did not share their contact information, you may contact your matches through the ridematching system's automated e-mail system.

If you are having difficulty setting up a carpool after contacting the people on your match list, contact us to be connected to one of our customer service representatives and we can help. People are adding their names to the system daily - your perfect match could be just a click away.

I want to e-mail several matches at once. Can I do that?

The Ridematching system has an E-mail Matches feature, where you can send an e-mail to several matches through the system. The system automatically retrieves a distribution list with all your matches and you can select which travelers you would like to contact.

The E-mail Matches feature is also how you would contact someone who did not share any contact information.

I received a long list of ridematches. Do you recommend that I contact all of them or just a few travelers?

This is entirely up to you and may depend upon the number of matches you receive. We suggest initially contacting at least five travelers and go from there.

What if the system did not find any matches for me?

If we do not currently have a match for potential carpool, vanpool, bike buddy or transit assistance for you in our database, you still have options:

Travelers often find alternatives when they expand their database search to include a wider geographic area or different routes.

You could go to a Park & Ride lot near your commute route for your rideshare starting point.

We are constantly adding new travelers to our system users; you should return to the site periodically and try running your matches again, since there will be a constant flow of new registrations.

We would be happy to supply you with "Carpoolers Wanted" flyers that you can use to post at or near your origin or destination.

Can my employees join on their own, without going through their employer?

Yes, they can.

How do I use the map feature?

How do I use the map feature?

After you run a ridematch, you will see a map showing your start and destination locations as green balloons labeled A and B, respectively. You will also see purple and blue icons with numbers – each number will have one purple and one blue corresponding icon. The purple icons indicate the start locations of your matches and the blue icons indicate the destination locations of your matches. The numbers on the icons correspond with the numbered matches to the right of the screen.

You can click on any purple or blue icon for a pop-up bubble with that match's contact information, if they share it publically.

If a match has opted to share his e-mail address, you can click on the e-mail address to send that match an e-mail through your default e-mail server.

What is the difference between radius-based matching and route-based matching?

Radius-based matching selects matches based on the distance around your starting and destination addresses.

What is a bike buddy?

What is a bike buddy?

If you travel by bicycle, we can match you with another person who also travels by bicycle on a route similar to yours.

What are the benefits of biking with a buddy?

There are many benefits to biking with a buddy, including the opportunity to bike with a more experienced rider, reduced stress, improved health and the added safety of riding with another person.

What are some tips for ridesharing etiquette?

What are some tips for ridesharing etiquette?

Call potential carpool partners and discuss logistical arrangements such as pickup time, location and driving safety. We suggest you may want to meet in a public location first to get to know each other and set ground rules, i.e. choice of radio stations and whether smoking and eating are allowed in the car, etc. This helps establish a good rapport with your fellow traveler and may allay any concerns you may have.

Does it cost anything to use 511NY Rideshare System?

Does it cost anything to use 511NY Rideshare System?

511NY Rideshare system is a free ridematching service of the New York State Department of Transportation. The 511NY Rideshare System can find you a carpool, vanpool or a bike buddy along a specified route or in an area of your origin or destination.

Will my personal information be secure?

Yes, only the contact information you agree to share in your profile will be seen by others who fit your ridematch criteria. Your information will never be shared with a third party.

Carpool FAQs

Q. What is ridesharing, and why should I do it?A. Sharing a ride with other commuters or travelers—in a carpool, vanpool, bus or train—is known as ridesharing. The benefits of ridesharing include reduced travel costs, less wear and tear on your vehicle, a less stressful trip and helping your community by reducing both traffic congestion and air pollution.

Q. What is carpooling?A. A carpool is two or more travelers or commuters sharing a ride. It is simple to set up and flexible. You do not have to carpool every day but as often as your schedule allows. To join a carpool, register for ridematching.

Q. How does carpooling work?A. Carpools are based on sharing travel expenses. Carpoolers may either use one driver and share expenses or rotate driving duties and eliminate the need for money to change hands. To join a carpool, register for ridematching.

Q. How much time will I save if I drive in the HOV lanes?A. The average estimate is that you can shave up to 20 minutes off of your trip—each way—if you drive in the HOV lanes.

Q. If I were to join a carpool, would I be committing to the carpool 5 days a week?A. Absolutely not. You decide how many days during the week you want to drive with your carpool partner(s). As long as it works for you and your carpool partner(s), that's all that matters.

Q. What if I need my car for personal appointments or errands?A. Plan these activities on specific days and rideshare the rest of the time.

Q. What if my schedule is irregular?A. Those with irregular schedules are better candidates for carpooling than vanpooling. Even if there is just one day a week where you travel during more regular hours, you could arrange a carpool for that particular day. More people are working flexible hours, so you might be able to match up with someone in a situation similar to your own.

Q. What if I need my car during the day?A. Be the designated driver of your carpool and drive every day. Share the expenses with your rider(s).

Q. What if I need to take my child to daycare?A. Try making the daycare center the meeting place for your carpool. Or meet at a centralized location, such as a Park & Ride lot.

Q. What happens if the driver of my carpool has to work overtime and cannot drive me to my destination? What if my child gets sick at school, and I have to leave work unexpectedly? How will I get to her/him?A. The rideshare program in your region may offer a Guaranteed Ride Program. Go back to the home page and click on your region's rideshare program to find out if you qualify to participate in a Guaranteed Ride Program.

Q. How much does it cost to be part of a carpool?A. The participants in the carpool determine the costs and details of the carpool. Some carpools rotate driving responsibility and bypass the exchange of money entirely. Others have one driver and one or more passengers who split the costs equally. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the 2015 standard mileage rate for business miles is 57.5 cents per mile, which you can divide among the passengers.

Vanpool FAQs

Q. What is vanpooling?A. A vanpool comprises 7–15 commuters who want to save money, to reduce stress and to help preserve the environment by commuting to and from work in a van. Vanpooling is the least expensive way of commuting when travelling long distances—at least 30 miles roundtrip.

Q. How does vanpooling work?A. The van is owned or leased by a vanpool participant or an employer, or contracted on a month-to-month basis from a third-party vendor. One member of the vanpool volunteers to drive, while riders share the cost of operating the vanpool. In most cases, the driver rides free and has personal use of the van during the evenings and on weekends. The other participants pay a low monthly fare. For more information on the different types of vanpool arrangements, call 511 and say "Rideshare."

Q. Are there any carpools or vanpools coming from my area?A. Today, many people travel far distances to get where they need to go, so there is a high probability that there are others in your area who want to share a ride. When you enter the 511NY Rideshare ridematching system, you will be included in a database with thousands of other commuters and travelers interested in ridesharing. You will receive a matchlist with the names and phone numbers of the people with whom you are matched. Note that home addresses are never included on the matchlists, and it is your choice whether or not your phone numbers are included.

Q. How can I join a vanpool?A. To find a vanpool, complete our online registration form or call 511 and say "Rideshare."

Q. What if my schedule is irregular?A. Those with irregular schedules are better candidates for carpooling than vanpooling. Even if there is just one day a week when you travel during more regular hours, you could arrange a carpool for that particular day. More people have flexible hours, so you might be able to match up with someone in a situation similar to your own.

Q. What if I need a vehicle during the day?A. Be the designated driver of your vanpool and drive every day.

Q. What if I need to take my child to daycare?A. Try making the daycare center the meeting place for your vanpool or meet at a centralized location, such as a Park & Ride lot.

Q. What if I need to leave work unexpectedly?A. You may be eligible to participate in a Guaranteed Ride Program. A Guaranteed Ride Program is an "insurance policy" for ridesharing situations like these. For more information, call 511 and say "Rideshare."